I bought a size 16 skirt!!!!

I had to run some errands and figured while I was in Cool Springs, I might as well pop in at the Avenue and see what they had lying around on sale.  Most of my summer t-shirts are a tad baggy and a bit worn, so I figured I would pick up a few new things.

They had t-shirts for $9 (and apparently a coupon for 2 for $5, which I didn't have--DOH!) and a few cute skirts.  I tried on shirts and I could wear an 18-20!  I used to buy the 26-28 at Lane Bryant because I didn't like my shirts clingy.  The 18-20 shirts fit and they were not clingy at all!  Plus there was a style with a cute square neckline, so I got it in 4 different colors!

The exciting thing was I got two skirts.  The one with a zipper on it was a 16.  They didn't have any 18s, so I told myself that if I could even get it halfway zipped, I was buying it.  Imagine my surprise when it zipped up all the way and I could even breathe in it!!!  I almost asked if I could wear it out of the store!!!

I have been in a bit of a stall scale wise, but yet have had people tell me that I look like I'm losing weight.  Even when I see them just a week apart.  So I took my measurements and I have lost 6.5" in my hips, 5.5" in my waist and 4.5" in my boobs.  I took the initial measurements after surgery, so those inches have come off in the last 3 months. 

Everything I bought had a 1 in the first number!  And I don't know if I ever fit into a size 16, unless it was like for 15 minutes when I was in 8th grade.  So it goes without say that I'm having a very exciting 4th of July.  I think I'll wear my size 16 skirt to Thursday's support group meeting!!!!

Yippeeeee!!!  Just had to share!!! 

HUGS!!!
Denise

Wow!  Things that begin with a "1"!  That is so cool!  The only thing I wear with that begins with a "1" is some size 10 shoes.  Go figure... all that weight on my feet didn't widen them, but I went from a 9 to a 10.  Still wearing AA or AAA width.

Have fun wearing those new clothes.  Try to resist the tempatation to wear them inside out and show off the new size tags.  Bwahahahaha!

Thanks also for the reminder to measure.  Even when the scale isn't moving, we still often lose inches.  Any loss is good!

 It's freaky.  But in a good way.  Yeah, I'll be subtle.  Instead of wearing things inside out, I'll leave the little 18/20 stickers on the fronts.  My badge of honor!

My feet are getting smaller too, which I find ridiculous.  Well, that they got fat width wise when the rest of me did.  I wear what I affectionately refer to as drag queen shoes--up to a size 11.  I have to get them so big in order to get them wide enough to fit.  I look like bozo!  My favorite pair of non-sneakers is getting so big that I have to walk with my toes clinging in order to not flip them off!  Maybe if we mix our feet together we'll get a normal width foot!

I decided to measure after standing on the treadmill last week and realizing that my shorts were not touching my legs at all--there was a gap all the way around between my shorts and my legs.  A funny feeling!  That and someone posted that link to a website for your ideal measurements based on your wrist size.  I can't wait to tell my dietician on Monday!  16.5" in three months!  Not too bad!

I remember the day I had to leave Lane Bryant and go to Avenue to get a pair of size 30 jeans - Congratulations on your size 16 skirt - post a photo for us when you're modeling it!

 Thanks, Pam!

Looking at your gorgeous avie, I can't even picture you needing a size 30.  I was sadly excited when Lane Bryant started carrying 26/28s so I could buy the biggest, loosest shirts possible.  I hate form fitting stuff.

I'm still pleasantly surprised about the 16 and am pawning it off more to vanity sizing than to my actual weight loss.  Even though on some level, I know it's my surgery and post op life that is really behind the size change.  

I will definitely make my friends take a picture of me at work this week so I can post them!  I actually like the way I look in photos these days.  Dear Diary!!!!  I need to keep a photo log as I change over time, just to remind myself of how far I've come.  Still got a long way to go, but so far so good!

HUGS!!!!
Denise

You ABSOLUTELY need to keep a photo log, you will be amazed! Those 30s hang in my office as a constant reminder that "no, you do NOT need or really want Starbucks right now!" Did you get my pm about Realize My Success?

I agree with the photo log.  Admittedly, it is very hard for me to look at it sometimes.  But then, I hated the camera when I was a size 12.  I did share some pictures with my sister and BFF.   Post them on OH?  Well, if I ever learn how to photo shop and give myself a new face.  I'm torn between a generic smiley face or Ms. Piggy.  Not that I feel like Ms. Piggy anymore, I've just always adored her outrageous hair and make-up.  Is it any wonder I also love Dolly?  In fact, I may use them as my fashion guides when I get to goal.

 Maybe Ms. Piggy can give me some pointers on hair and makeup!  I never learned to do makeup and just kind of blunder my way through it.  Meh.

I read your post too quickly--I thought you made a generic smiley face pose when you had your picture taken.  Up till now it was either a goofy face or a I Look Constipated Because I Am Uncomfortable face!  Hopefully I can relax and look less pained in future pictures!

No photoshopping a smiley onto your new body!  Must have Actual Head!

 Yeah, I have a few shots, but I need to do one of those mug shot line ups:  same location, same poses.  I'm already smacking myself for not taking many pictures prior to starting the journey.  I have some, but not as many as I'd like to have to remind myself where I've come from.

Love the idea of the jeans as an anti-starbucks motivator!!!

 

I did get the PM--sorry I didn't write back!  Here's a screen shot of my RealizeMy Success page, for those who are interested.  I do still have limited access (pre-op level) for the site, but I cannot access the fancy, fun stuff.  The LapBand site is better than it was before, and has a food diary thing set up with FitDay, but I like shiny and pretty and the Realize page wins on that front!

I'm sure Vandy patients, like Amy, with the Realize band have full access because they have the info from their band, uh, installation.  So Centennial is striking a deal with Realize for full access for all their patients?  AND with special sections for sleeve and RNY patients too?  That's pretty cool.  I may have to call that 1-877# and see if I can get any higher level access.  

I will say that I think the Realize site is the nicest, all in one (food diary, exercise log, measurements, weight loss tracking, goal tracking, etc.) WLS follow up website I've used.

Which Tuesday nights are the meetings?  I've got stuff going on most Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights this month.  July is crazy!!!!  But the topic is very interesting!

Denise, the band group is this Tuesday the 7th at 5:30 and the main group (all surgeries) is Tuesday, July 14th at 6:00. We would love to have you join us!